The rising prevalence of comorbid obesity and eating disorder behaviors from 1995 to 2005.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the cooccurrence of obesity and eating disorder (ED) behaviors in the South Australian population and assess the change in level from 1995 to 2005.


METHODS
Two independent cross-sectional single stage interview based population surveys were conducted a decade apart. Self-reported height, weight, ED behaviors, and sociodemographics were assessed. Changes between the two time points were analyzed.


RESULTS
From 1995 to 2005 the population prevalence of comorbid obesity and ED behaviors increased from 1 to 3.5%. Comorbid obesity and ED behaviors increased more (prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 95% CI = [2.8, 7.4]; p < .001) than either obesity (POR = 1.6; 95% CI = [1.3, 2.0]; p < .001) or ED behaviors (POR = 3.1; 95% CI = [2.3, 4.1]; p < .001) alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Comorbid obesity and ED behaviors are an increasing problem in our society. Prevention and treatments efforts for obesity and EDs must consider and address this increasing comorbidity.
Darby
Anita
A
Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia. anita.darby1@jcu.edu.au
Hay
Phillipa
P
Mond
Jonathan
J
Quirk
Frances
F
Buttner
Petra
P
Kennedy
Lee
L
D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence